Kwantlen Polytechnic University to waive fees for some Indigenous students

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) says it is waiving tuition fees for eligible members of seven First Nations in the Lower Mainland.

KPU says fees will be waived for eligible incoming and current students who are members of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem First Nations, starting this fall.

This comes as part of a new reconciliation framework — xéʔelɬ Pathway to Systemic Transformation Framework — laid out by the university.

“Education is fundamental to reconciliation,” Alan Davis, the president and vice-chancellor of the university, said. 

“We are committed to creating new opportunities and a welcoming environment for Indigenous students in higher education. Offering free tuition to eligible students continues KPU’s efforts to have open and generative partnerships with Indigenous communities.” 

The tuition waiver is the first of its kind in the province, KPU notes.

As part of the framework, the school is also committing to addressing and reducing ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression, and racism that Indigenous people continue to experience.

“We are at a unique time in the history of this country, a time when we are confronting the colonial past of Canada,” Chancellor Kwuntiltunaat (Kim Baird) said.

“As KPU’s first Indigenous woman chancellor, I am proud of seeing the work xéʔelɬ (Pathway to Systemic Transformation) represents to ensure KPU contributes to transformation over time.”

Although the school didn’t stipulate any further on the requirements, the university says more details about the fee waiver will be released soon.